As the person responsible for getting us in front of a wider network of industry contacts, Tara Appleton plays a vital role in our business development strategy.

We spoke to Tara about her eclectic career, what she enjoys the most about her work, her wide range of personal passions.

 

What’s your background, Tara?

After a brief stint pursuing roles as an estate agent, a credit controller and a performing artist, I started my career in business development, and seem to have come back around to it many years later!

In 2010, I began working for a new business agency, pitching to win them new clients and also cold calling for their clients to get them the briefs for proposals, which could be for anything from websites to apps to billboards and TV ads. It was a strict environment – I was closely monitored on calls, and we had very ambitious targets – but I soon gained the confidence and the knowledge I needed to get results, and even stepped into the role as Team Manager.

Eventually, I left this position because I wanted to do something more creative. During my time as Marketing Assistant for a lighting company, I cut my teeth on social media marketing, and also got involved with planning and managing CPD events. I was made redundant while I was on maternity leave, so I then decided to help a contact create and promote a property-related game; this was a really enjoyable project and it taught me just how much traction a new venture can gain from social marketing specifically.

Eventually, I realised I was best suited to freelancing. I worked for a large-scale trade currency company as a self-employed individual and spent some time managing a well-known digital global conference before deciding to niche back into marketing and business development.

 

What do you now focus on at A.W. Hardy?

In a nutshell, my role here is to open A.W. Hardy up to new clients and new tender opportunities by making sure we remain front of mind for projects.

The nature of my job means I’m often the first person new prospects talk to. I spend a lot of time on the phone developing and maintaining relationships with key industry contacts, including architects and structural engineers, as well as potential end clients. Each day is different, but a big part of my role is to organise my schedule to make sure we don’t miss any upcoming opportunities, and collect feedback that we can learn from.

 

What do you love the most about your role – and what are its challenges?

I love talking to people and establishing a great rapport with them. And obviously, I love the thrill of getting the tender – there’s no better feeling than knowing my efforts have resulted in a tangible lead for our team.

As anyone who works in the construction sector knows, things can be unpredictable at the best of times. Projects can fall by the wayside for many reasons, usually because of lack of funding or problems with planning permission. But on the flip side, great opportunities can also come from unexpected conversations. Sometimes, people I’ve spoken to months ago will get back in touch with me to discuss a project that I didn’t see coming! This is why it’s so important to stay consistent and follow up with everyone you meet – while staying on the right side of pestering, of course.

 

What do you do outside of work?

I’m a busy bee! For nearly 9 years now, I’ve run a local performing arts school with my sister. As well as helping kids hone their singing, dancing and acting skills, this also gives me the chance to tap back into my ‘performer’ side; I did a bit of professional acting work when I was younger, and I’ve never wanted to let go of this side of me completely.

I used to be a mobile singing teacher before Covid and, after a few years off, I’ve recently taken on a few private students; it’s been great to be able to follow my passion again. I sing at a dementia café once a month and I take to the mic at karaoke sessions whenever I can! I’m also something of a photographer and organise the occasional forest walk or newborn photoshoot when time allows.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband, two children, and wider friends and family – or just sitting in the garden with a nice cup of tea, making the most of some peace and quiet! I’m into arts and crafts, too, and love sharing this hobby with my little ones.